Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-08-14
THE GOLDEN CALF.
tLonaon uife.l

Oen0S.
"Is he 90 very richs"
"Rclling in money-might buy up
half the city, they say"
"And really, now | come TO look at
him. not bad-looking man, murmur-
ed the Countess, focusing the gentle
man under discussion with very ef-
fective double eye-glass.
Geraldine, my love, that is Mr..
Optimus Cedd over there in the door,
way
The beautiful Geraldine turncd very
naughty head and gave scornful little
laugh.
'And who, pray, mamma, is Mr.
Cpiimus Codd r.
The young man standing between
the two ladies looked steadily Mt the
beautiful young lady in diaphanous
white tullc, saying:
"Hc is the Golden Calf of this
wear, Lady Geraldine. You will soon
know him by sight. He is making his
mark in society. He has asked to be
presented to you. Lady Umfreville,
have your permission.
The Countess smiled gracious con-
sent on Mr.. Rupert Panlet. She at
once absolved this penniless detrlmen-
tai. who had been hanging about her
sacriiicial lamb too closely of late, for
his past offences. II was such q very
desirable matter to get hold OF this
millionaire stockbroker at an early part
of his career.
Mr.. Optimus Codd in bis own sphere
was nan of marx. People in the city
pointed at him respectfully as the pos
SCISSOR of untold wealth butt had only
recently entered the mind of this enter
prising operator to make an effort to en-
ter fashionable society. This great
man-for he was very great in the
realms Of stocks and "thc things that
are always going up and down IN the
city had recently purchased q house
in Mayfair, whore he gave most re-
chercke banquets. He had also con-
triyed to be elected to two or three
good clubs. In consequence society
was making inquiries about him, and
using every eDdeavor to substantive the
rumoIs Of his enormous wealth. Doors
could not be shut upon an absolute
Crnsue. In exterior the gentleman
who was the object of so many atten-
lions was not at all prepossessing, in
spite of Lady Umfrevilles charitable
verdict. He haS q good-natured, fat
face, with no salient features, and red
dish hair Of . refractory nature. HIS
small gray eyes had, however, at times
a sipeularly keen and acute regard.
Such eyes might fathom a good deal of
T.. 1r>ccal uall and
no iewelry, bearing the manner and
voice of o gentleman. His discretion
showed itself in nothing more than IN
his ability to keep silent about himself
and others.
When Mr.. Codd slowly made his way
across the ballroom toward the STRIKING
group near the conservatory he Was
the object of many regards. After the
Hon. rupert had presented his friend
in due ioim to the stately Countess and
her lovely daughter he remained
few minutes in conversation with the
party. finally offering his arm to cou-
vey her lsdyship to supper She gave
an anxious back ward look toward Lady
Geraldine and the handsome young
man left near her. 1t was unavoidable
the only thing to he done was to put
her wits together and MAKE the most OF
the present opportunity.
"You have box at the opera. | be-
ieve. MIR. Codd? We are so anxious
10 hear Patti on her first night.
This was an audaciOus opening. bat
the Countess, being poor and q widow,
never hinched before an attempt of tins
sort. 1t was her duty to make use OF
rich acqusintances.
II shall be delighted il you will nc
cept my box for that evening"" was the
natural rejoinder from one unused to
impecunious countesses.
LADY Umfrevilie went away smiling
that evening, and thankfully felt that
her labor and Geraldine's new dress
had not been in vain.
Within a week, Mr.. Optimus Codd
had been invited to partake OF various
small-yery .mall-forms of hospitality
at Princes Gate. Little teas and little
light luncheons might bring young peo-
ple together quite as advantageously as
more costly entertainments. Her lady
ship was a skilled matchmaker. Two
daughters had already been disposed OF
in their first season. But tins was now
Lady Geraldine's second year in the
market. She was certainly more diff
cult TO manage than the doclle elder
sisters had been. Still, Lady Umire-
vile did not despair of settling her this
season. June had only just begun.
There was fourth girl coming in
shortly. Lady Margaret was still in the
schooi-room. though fully entitled to be
emancipated, and she was spirited
young lady who might be more difficult
to control than all her predecessors.
"What is he like, Jerry ! NEAR
the city-man that every one is talking
about. know mamma thinks yor
have csptivated him. You might
bring him up to the school-room fol
nv inspection some day. Pretend yor
want to show him your drawings.
81 should like to see stockbroker
His name has very fish-like smell
Fancy being Lady Geraldine Codd
Tocs he look like gentleman ? Do =
you think you had better turn HIM owe
TO me, Jerry?"
Here the lively Lady Margaret be
Gan dancing about the room. "ohah
Lave fine time of it when l COM
cut! mean to make up for beinl
Kept back year. You sec you mus
he ont of the way, jerry. You are s.
vsry good looking"
Lady Geraldine answered smiling
"Do be sensible, Maggie. and I'll TEL
YOU all about Mr.. Optimus Codd
Well he's rather fat, and not got an
particular expression, but think he
very good natured. really think
like him, and if" A lovely blus
rose TO her face.
"If you hadn't fallen in love wit
some che else, and If you were quit
sure MIR. Optimus Codd didn't want
marry You. Don't you be the least b
gracious 10 him or he'll say you ga.
him encouragement. They always d
il you arc polite. But, Geraldine,
advise you 10 give up Reggie Paule
He has got next TO nothing, and yt
can't marry Oh love-"
Lady Geraldine tossed up her pref
head. You mind your own bushes
Maggie. You're very dissgreeable, al